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Train operator vs trainer

The differences between train operators and trainers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a train operator and a trainer. Additionally, a trainer has an average salary of $47,574, which is higher than the $39,189 average annual salary of a train operator.

The top three skills for a train operator include training programs, safety procedures and training sessions. The most important skills for a trainer are PET, training programs, and leadership.

Train operator vs trainer overview

Train OperatorTrainer
Yearly salary$39,189$47,574
Hourly rate$18.84$22.87
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs58,75440,650
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a train operator do?

The Train Operator ensures the train gets to and from destinations in a timely and safe manner. This person is responsible for the train's operation, maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. The passengers' safety and convenience fall on the train operator's shoulders, and it is the operator's obligation that trains always depart and arrive on time. Add responsibilities of a train operator is to ensure the security of all passengers and to report all irregularities observed during one's duty.

What does a trainer do?

A trainer is responsible for instilling knowledge and process techniques for a specific business role. Duties of a trainer include facilitating engaging classes, identifying areas of improvement and opportunities for the learner, evaluating skills and attending to the learner's challenges, organizing training materials and scheduling training sessions, and submitting timely reports to the management on progress. Trainers are required to have excellent public communication skills and extensive product knowledge to provide effective learning methodologies and maintain strategic project management.

Train operator vs trainer salary

Train operators and trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Train OperatorTrainer
Average salary$39,189$47,574
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $55,000Between $30,000 And $73,000
Highest paying CityAlameda, CA-
Highest paying stateVirginiaNew Jersey
Best paying companyAmerican Water-
Best paying industryTransportationTechnology

Differences between train operator and trainer education

There are a few differences between a train operator and a trainer in terms of educational background:

Train OperatorTrainer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Train operator vs trainer demographics

Here are the differences between train operators' and trainers' demographics:

Train OperatorTrainer
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 66.3% Female, 33.7%Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 5.8% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between train operator and trainer duties and responsibilities

Train operator example responsibilities.

  • Develop training content for eLearning and instructor lead classrooms by evaluating Predix user experiences.
  • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
  • Develop and write operator training manuals and ISO procedures for injection molding lines, metalizers, coaters and inspection equipment.
  • Climb ladders on railway cars.
  • Act as SME for safety.
  • Maintain trainingrecords and LMS system.
  • Show more

Trainer example responsibilities.

  • Manage orders through the drive-thru.
  • Instruct representatives on how to maximize functionality of relational database to effectively manage their sales territories and expenses.
  • Process customer drive-thru orders and run the different stations to prepare food.
  • Demonstrate complete knowledge of all GMP's and other applicable standards.
  • Validate and process in approve batches suitable for consumption with regulatory requirements for FDA approval.
  • Train production operators and personnel in alignment with GMP concepts/methodology.
  • Show more

Train operator vs trainer skills

Common train operator skills
  • Training Programs, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Training Sessions, 8%
  • PowerPoint, 7%
  • Ladders, 6%
  • DOD, 4%
Common trainer skills
  • PET, 23%
  • Training Programs, 19%
  • Leadership, 15%
  • Bonds, 10%
  • Training Sessions, 3%
  • PowerPoint, 3%

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